Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1981 No. 1091, known as the Public Service Regulations 2 (Amendment), was enacted in 1981 to address the need for updating the financial allowances within the Public Service Regulations. This amendment was introduced by the Public Service Board, exercising its authority under the Public Service Act 1922. The amendment was subsequently approved by the Governor-General and came into operation on 9 January 1981. The primary objective of this legislative instrument was to adjust the dependant allowance specified in Regulation 87b of the Public Service Regulations, increasing it from $7037 to $7,298, reflecting changes in economic conditions and cost of living adjustments necessary to maintain the welfare of public servants and their families.

Scope and Application

The Public Service Regulations 1981 (Amendment) pertains to the adjustments made to the Public Service Regulations, originally established under the Public Service Act 1922. These regulations apply to all public servants employed by the Commonwealth Government of Australia, affecting their terms and conditions of employment. The amendment, in particular, modifies the dependant allowance from $7037 to $7298 as outlined in sub-regulation (1) of regulation 87b. The scope of these regulations is national, covering all federal public servants across various departments and agencies within the Commonwealth. There are no exclusions or exemptions specified in the text, indicating that the changes apply universally to the targeted group. The application of these regulations is further extended and potentially restricted through any subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Public Service Act 1922.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1981 No. 1091 (Amendment) of the Public Service Regulations are concerned with the amendment of a specific allowance within the regulations (para 2). Regulation 87b, which pertains to the amount of the dependant allowance, is modified by replacing the previous figure of $7,037 with a new figure of $7,298 (para 2). This adjustment is intended to reflect changes in economic conditions or to provide for a more equitable allowance amount. These amendments impose certain obligations on the Public Service Board, which is tasked with the administration of the Public Service Regulations (para 1). The Board must ensure that the regulations are updated to accurately reflect any necessary changes, such as adjustments to allowance amounts, to maintain the effectiveness and fairness of the regulations. Furthermore, the Board must also ensure that these amendments are communicated to all relevant parties and implemented in a timely manner. In terms of potential breaches, the legislation does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, it is implicit that failure to adhere to the updated regulations could result in legal and administrative issues for both the Board and the individuals affected by the allowance changes. Non-compliance with public service regulations can potentially lead to disputes, grievances, and legal challenges, which may require resolution through administrative or judicial processes. Maximum penalties for breaches of public service regulations are not specified within these regulations themselves. However, under the Public Service Act 1922, which provides the authority for these amendments, there are provisions for disciplinary action and penalties for non-compliance. These may include fines, suspension, or dismissal for public servants found to be in breach of the regulations, as well as potential legal action against the Public Service Board for failing to properly administer the regulations.